LAS CRUCES — The newly announced leader of the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces, Bishop Oscar Cantú, was given a chile ristra, a basket of pecans, an Aggie T-shirt and the key to the city during a welcome event Thursday.

Retiring Bishop Ricardo Ramírez, 76, introduced Cantú in front of a small crowd in the foyer of Immaculate Heart of Mary church. Cantú, 46, arrived at the airport Wednesday night.

"This is tremendously overwhelming, but I'm delighted to be here," said Cantú, after receiving a round of standing applause.

Ramírez highlighted the similarities between himself and Cantú. They are both natives of what's now the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Their parents were migrant workers. They each earned degrees at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, a Catholic-run institution. Both served as auxiliary bishops in San Antonio, just prior to being named bishop of the Las Cruces diocese.

Ramírez, the first-ever bishop for the southern New Mexico, highlighted Cantú's educational experience and said he's fluent in several languages. Cantú ran the archdiocese of San Antonio for about one year, when it was without a permanent leader, he said.

"His credentials are impeccable," Ramírez told the audience.

Cantú said he was "humbled" to be named the new bishop and to follow in Ramírez's footsteps. He said he planned to continue the work of spreading the church's message of faith.

Bishop Ricardo Ramírez offers a welcoming gift to Bishop Oscar Cantú during a news conference Thursday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral where Cantú was named the head of the Diocese of Las Cruces. Cantú is replacing Ramírez, who is retiring this year after more than 30 years of service as the bishop of the Las Cruces Diocese.
(Shari V. Hill/Sun-News)

"There's a deep sense of being sent — sent as the apostles were sent to announce the good news of the gospel to the four corners of the earth," he said.

Continued Cantú: "I do not pretend to bring a new gospel or a new message. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."

Attending were Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima, New Mexico State University Interim President Manuel Pacheco and former State Sen. Mary Jane Garcia, whose term ended Dec. 31.

Miyagishima said he was glad to learn Cantú shared his predecessor's sense of humor.

"We trust and we know that the Holy Father has chosen a great replacement for Bishop Ramírez," he said.

Some 132,600 Catholics live in the geographically large Diocese of Las Cruces, about one-quarter of the overall population. It's 45,000 square miles — essentially the size of Pennsylvania — and includes 45 parishes and 44 missions. It covers 10 counties in southern New Mexico, from the Arizona border east to the Texas state line.

Miyagishima gave ceremonial keys to the city to Cantú and Ramírez, who's been bishop since 1982.

Las Crucen Robert Hernandez, parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary church, said he thinks Cantú will spark a "refreshing start" for the diocese.

"With changes comes great new things," said Hernandez, who attended Thursday's event. "I really believe he's going to bring a lot of new inspiration, new life."

Hernandez said he was impressed with Cantú's education. Also, his fluency in Spanish will help him, Hernandez said.

"You are now a New Mexican, which is a step up from being a Texan," he quipped.

Alamogordo resident Rita Lake Wirta, a member of the Catholic Diocese's fundraising foundation, said she and other church members accept their leadership as divinely placed.

"We welcome him in Otero County," she said, asked about Cantú.

Ramirez has said he plans to continue living in Las Cruces, but now will have more time to visit family and travel. He'll also be moving into a "smaller, more modest home" from the larger house assigned to the diocese's bishop.

Mary Jane Garcia, former senator, said residents will miss Ramirez.

"It's sad to see him go," said an emotional Garcia.

Hernandez said he wishes Ramirez well.

"He'll always be a big part of the diocese of Las Cruces," he said.

Diocese officials said Cantú still must be formally installed as the new bishop — likely to happen in about six weeks.

Diana Alba Soular can be reached at (575) 541-5443; follow her on Twitter @AlbaSoular

9:36 a.m. - Next Las Cruces bishop unveiled

LAS CRUCES - The Diocese of San Antonio has announced Bishop Oscar Cantú, auxiliary bishop of San Antonio, will replace Bishop Ricardo Ramirez as head of the Diocese of Las Cruces.

The appointment was publicized in Washington, Jan. 10, by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States, according to the San Antonio website.

Oscar Cantú was born December 5, 1966, in Houston, Texas. He earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Dallas and his master of arts and master of divinity degrees from the University of St. Thomas, Houston.

He was ordained a priest in 1994 and named auxiliary bishop of San Antonio in 2008.

Bishop Ramírez was the first bishop of the Las Cruces Diocese, which was established in 1982.

An official announcement is expected later this morning in Las Cruces. Check back for updates as they become available.